Renting storage is often new to many people. If you’re not sure where to start, here’s a list of questions to help steer you in the right direction:
• What is the management style? – Inquire about whether or not the facility has a hands-on manager. Some self storage facilities have an on-site manager which means that the person lives on or near the grounds. This is especially beneficial if you need help after hours since most facilities offer 24-hour access.
• What is the level of security? – You should always assess the ground of the self storage facility yourself but it is also good to ask questions about the surrounding area. Some facilities might have this information on hand and others may need to do further research. If a facility screens potential customers then this is a good sign. There have been numerous stories of self storage customers that conduct illicit activities in the units so it is up to the facility to keep undesirable tenants at a minimum.
• How often is the facility cleaned? – While you will be responsible for the keeping your individual unit clean, the surrounding areas should be maintained by the self storage facility’s staff. When renting your unit, take note of how clean the office is since this can be an indication of how well the facility will be maintained. A leaky roof or cracks in the building could result in bigger problems later, especially in the event of a natural disaster.
• What is the level of customer service? – Historically, people tend to share information about poor customer service at a faster rate than they do when they experience good service. If the self storage facility you are considering has a reputation for poor service, chances are this information is already available online. Do a quick search of the name on sites like Yelp or Angie's List and see what comes up before renting. You can also gauge the level of customer service based on how employees answer the phone and the timeliness with which they respond to your inquiries.
• Is it a good fit? – This may be difficult to determine until you have some experience dealing with the self storage facility but there are always a few things to keep in mind before you rent. For example, if you will need constant access to the items in your unit or amenities such as vehicle storage, renting from a facility that has limited access or does not offer your particular type of storagewould not be a wise choice. Make a list of everything you need in a self storage facility before renting in order to ensure you will be making the right decision.
All self storage facilities are not created equally and it will take some time and research to find the right one. However, time spent on research and preparation before renting self storage could go a long way since it will help to ensure that your belongings are kept safe and sound.
